CLC-B.C. FED.
WINTER SCHOOL

By FRANK WALL
IWA Education Director

Harrison Hot Springs was once again the
scene of the CLC-B.C. Fed. Winter School.
The location of the school more often
referred to as the “Workers Republic of
Harrison”, is fast becoming the educational
event of the year. An event in significance
and stature that it is the envy of many from
the Atlantic to the Pacific.

What makes this particular school so
special and so welcomed in anticipation
year after year by the many participants?

It is hard to come up with one specific
reason. In talking to many, many students
who have been to the school, the reasons are
just as many and just as varied. Ranging all
the way from the location and including

complimentary remarks about the food, the
facilities, the general esprit-de-corps, the
variety of courses available, the general
sessions, the fun nights with sports and
singing contests. All in their own way
contribute to the feeling of well-being and

the sense of accomplishment.

In talking to a first-timer to the school, one
is often privileged to observe a person on
what I would call an “Educational High”. If
that person has not been turned on in the
classroom or by the association with other
unionists, you may often find it is asa result
of listening to one of the many guest speak-
ers at the general sessions.

The evening sessions are more or less
manadatory or, at the least, obligatory for
all to attend most evenings. The lists of
speakers grow long, with some favourites
being invited back year after year whenever
possible. High on the list of speakers are
people such as Dave Barrett, Romeo
Maovyne, B.C. Federation staff persons and
often people from overseas. Top officers of
the Canadian Labour Congress, past and
present, are often ready to speak to the
groups.

In spite of the full programmes held daily,
students still make time for water sports and
other activities. These activities involve a
fair amount of competition and friendly
rivalry as each class becomes more involved
as the days spin by. At the close of the school
day, 4:30-5:00 p.m., strange sounds can be
heard from the various classrooms as the
students burst forth in a choirlike fashion.
Famous union songs from the past are
dusted off and rehearsals begin in earnest
by Monday or Tuesday.

Many talented people are uncovered and
it is not uncommon to hear a familiar tune
sung with a brand new and totally original
lyrics.

All these things combined with the var-
ious courses taught all add to the air of
excitement and pleasantry.

Itisa tired group that finally gets together
for the final assembly at the end of the
school — noon, Friday. One can feel the
emotion-charged atmosphere as the class
representatives call up their instructors and
pay them tribute. One can sense the grati-
tude and sincerity of the responses to the
remarks, from the audience.

Some closing remarks from the (Chancel-
lor) Director of the school, then the final
farewell begin. Hands clasped, smiles, some
wistfully, adieus, goodbyes, and it’s finally

at an end. As the participants wend their ©

way back home many have made commit-
ments to their own organization, to the
labour movement as a whole to become more
involved, to become more active. It has been
a good experience. Many feel lifted, rein-
forced, a little more dedicated and ready to
continue the struggle for a better society.
Many also feel grateful for the opportunity

and the experience and inwardly say
“thank you!”

Some of the IWA members who attended the CLC-B.C. Fed. Winter School at Harrison Hot Springs. Courses included the
Parallel Campaign Training Seminar and IWA Leadership Training. Instructors were Frank Wall, Regional education

director; Clay Perry, Regional legislative director, Verna Ledger, Regional safety director; Joan De‘Ath; Regional pension
department; Suzan Beattie, Regional lawyer.

Lumber Worker/February/March, 1981/: